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What is the meaning of ‘not my monkeys, not my circus’?

The phrase “Not my monkeys, not my circus” is a popular idiom, often used to express the idea that someone is not responsible for a situation or problem, and they are not going to get involved. The phrase is of Polish origin, where the literal translation is “Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy”, and it conveys a sense of detachment from issues or conflicts that do not concern or affect you.

Detailed Meaning:

  • “Not my monkeys”: The “monkeys” here represent problems, issues, or tasks that are causing confusion or disorder. By saying “not my monkeys,” you’re distancing yourself from those problems, implying that you’re not the one responsible for them.
  • “Not my circus”: The “circus” refers to the environment or situation in which the problems are happening. A circus is often chaotic and filled with disorder, so saying “not my circus” further emphasizes that the chaos is not your concern or responsibility.
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Usage:

You would typically use this phrase when:

  • Refusing responsibility: If someone is trying to drag you into a conflict or issue that doesn’t concern you, you can use this phrase to make it clear that you’re not going to get involved.
  • Setting boundaries: It’s a way of maintaining personal boundaries, showing that certain situations or problems are not yours to handle, even if they may be disruptive or troublesome.
  • Detachment from drama: It’s often used to step away from drama or unnecessary complications, particularly when others may be trying to draw you into their problems.
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Example:

  • Scenario: A colleague is complaining about office politics, gossip, and a problematic project.
  • Response: “I’m sorry, but not my monkeys, not my circus. I’m focusing on my own work right now.”

In this context, you’re saying that the office drama or issues are not your responsibility, and you’re choosing to avoid getting involved in it.

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